20 Best Twilight Wedding Packages in the UK
Say 'I do' under twinkling stars with a twilight wedding ceremony! What to expect, the benefits of booking one, the best twilight wedding venues, it's all here
Forget sparkly vampires and werewolves, we aren't referring to that kind of twilight - twilight weddings are a relatively new type of wedding that's perfect for couples who are looking to steer away from traditional formalities.
In essence, a twilight wedding is usually a ceremony that starts after 5pm and then goes straight into the reception, skipping the wedding breakfast and evening buffet, instead having one main meal later on. It's a great option to consider if you're looking to plan a relaxed and romantic celebration, without the pressure or cost of entertaining guests for a whole day.
Typically available from October - March, wedding packages that begin with an early evening ceremony are offered at a number of different wedding venues and can even be a great option for those looking for affordable wedding packages. Read on to find out everything you'll need to know about booking a twilight wedding - from the benefits of having an evening event to what the night will entail.
What is a Twilight Wedding?
Twilight weddings begin later in the afternoon than a traditional wedding day - usually from 5pm. They still include a full ceremony and an evening reception, just without a formal sit-down wedding breakfast. But that's not to say you and your guests won't get fed - from relaxed buffets and light-bites, most wedding venues offer a range of snacks to satisfy late-night cravings.
There's something seriously romantic about tying the knot at sunset, and according to the team at Heaton House Farm 'a twilight wedding can be the perfect choice for couples who are looking to get married in Autumn or Winter and want to create something magical. The evenings get darker quicker, and this can provide the most beautiful backdrop for your special day.'
What Happens at a Twilight Wedding?
The order of a twilight wedding depends on your venue but a typical event would go as follows:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 - 5:30 PM | Guest Arrival • Ushers welcome guests with refreshments |
| 6:30 PM | Twilight Ceremony Begins |
| 7:15 PM | Cocktail Hour • Guests enjoy drinks • Opportunity for photographs |
| 8:00 PM | Reception Begins • Grand entrance of the couple • Food served |
| 9:15 PM | Toasts & Cake Cutting • Speeches • Cake cutting and dessert |
| 9:45 PM | Dancing & Entertainment • Dance floor opens with DJ or live band |
| 12:00 AM | Grand Exit • Couple send off • Guests depart |
20 of the Best Twilight Wedding Venues
Interested in having a twilight wedding? Here are the best twilight wedding packages in the UK.
1. The Post Barn – Berkshire
At the The Post Barn in Berkshire the twilight packaged includes use of the stunning light-filled barn, plenty of bubbles for your guests, an evening buffet, DJ and even a photobooth to capture all the fun.
For the newlyweds a luxury suite is also included so you can stay later and enjoy time celebrating with your friends and family.
- Hitched couples say: "This venue is beyond anything I could ever have imagined. The team are fabulous and communication has been great. Having the hotel is an added bonus."
- Pricing: from £4,740
2. Smokies Park – Manchester
The Smokies Park Twilight Package is designed for 100 guests to party the night away from 7pm to 12am. The all-inclusive deal, curated by their team of in-house experts, includes dressed tables, a DJ for the entirety of the evening, party food for your guests and even a bridal suite for the night of the wedding.
You can also add on an on-site ceremony for £350 if you want to keep all your celebrations in one place.
- Hitched couples say: "The venue went above and beyond for us on the day and before the day. Nothing was to much trouble for them!! Absolutely amazing food, fast service and phenomenal staff."
- Pricing: from £1,995
3. The Hay Loft at Allerton Manor Golf Club – Merseyside
At The Hay Loft you can enjoy a ceremony from 4pm followed by an evening celebration as part of their twilight package. Ideal for couples who want something more laid back you'll get room hire from 4pm, canapés, Prosecco and evening buffet all included in the cost. Plus, for larger parties there's the option to add extra day or evening guests. The best part? The bar stays open late with a 1AM close.
- Hitched couples say: "We had our Twilight wedding at Allerton Manor and it was the most amazing day, our guests commented how lovely the venue and staff were."
- Pricing: from £3,999
4. The Spread Eagle – Lancashire
If you're having a more intimate wedding, consider the Spread Eagle and their Twilight Package for up to 70 guests. The civil ceremony will be held slightly earlier than other venues at 3pm before you and your guests enjoy an evening meal followed by entertainment. The newlyweds will also receive a complimentary overnight stay in one of the hotels gorgeous rooms.
- Hitched couples say: "We loved having our wedding at the Spread Eagle. A gorgeous venue in a beautiful setting..."
- Pricing: from £34.95 per person
5. The Croft – Durham
With huge savings of up to £7,700, having a twilight wedding at The Croft in Durham is a no brainer. As well as hire of the stunning venue for your ceremony and reception and a delicious BBQ feast, you'll also get the honeymoon suite for the night of your wedding, a bottle of bubbles, your own wedding co-ordinator and complimentary hire of accessories including a vintage Royal Mail postbox for all your cards!
- Hitched couples say: "We simply cannot express our gratitude to the staff and team behind the scenes at The Croft & our wedding coordinator Paige."
- Pricing: £4,495 for 50 guests
6. Fanhams Hall – Hertfordshire
If you book your wedding on a Sunday - Thursday you can benefit from Fanhams Hall's twilight package. You and your guests can enjoy an elderflower fizz on arrival, a delicious wedding buffet, plus exclusive access to the private bar area, terrace and gardens where your photographer can capture all those golden hour memories.
- Hitched couples say: "Our experience with Fanhams was absolutely amazing. The venue itself was so beautiful, and created a lovely atmosphere and plenty of space for guests to wander around."
- Pricing: £5,225 for 60 adults
7. Tempest Arms – North Yorkshire
From just £2,975 you and 60 of your guests can enjoy a tailored ceremony at the Tempest Arms in the rolling hills of North Yorkshire. With a glass of bubbles to toast the couple, an evening buffet and the honeymoon suite included in the price it really is a hard one to resist.
- Pricing: £2,975
8. Morgans Hotel – Wales
For a night to remember opt for the twilight package at Morgans Hotel in Wales. With welcome drinks, a buffet, canapés and even a red carpet welcome you and your guests will be treated like royalty.
The boutique hotel is the perfect venue for your fairytale wedding thanks to its grand architecture and the teams eagerness to exceed all your expectations.
- Hitched couples say: "The food was exceptionally delicious and each selection met everyone’s taste. Empty plates was order of the day."
- Pricing: from £5,299
9. Easton Grange – Suffolk
Weddings at Easton Grange in Suffolk lend themselves to twilight thanks to the stunning grounds which come to life against the golden tones of sunset. With exclusive venue use from midday you can take your time in the preparation for the ceremony while your guests explore the gardens which are designed around the river Deane .
- Hitched couples say: "We recently got married at Easton Grange and it was incredible! Nothing was too big or too small, they were so helpful and just amazing on the day! The food is SO yummy and the actual venue and surroundings are just STUNNING!"
- Pricing: from £9,795
10. Marriott Hotel Piccadilly – Manchester
Dance the night away with your nearest and dearest with the Marriott Hotel Piccadilly's evening wedding package. It includes everything you need for a night to remember plus they have the capacity for up to 180 guests all of whom are able to spend the night so nobody has to leave the party early!
- Hitched couples say: "WOW! The most magical day ever! Not one hiccup. Everybody was so friendly, accommodating, helpful, professional and supportive and we could have not asked for more."
- Pricing: from £4,500
11. Wivenhoe House – Essex
If your dream is to get married in a stately home then look no further than the 18th century Wivenhoe House in Colchester. Set in stunning grounds with a country manor house aesthetic it's the perfect backdrop for your special day.
For a magical evening wedding enquire below for more details on everything that's included in their Twilight Package.
- Hitched couples say: "Our wedding at Wivenhoe House was everything we dreamed of! The setting is beautiful and our wedding coordinator Lisa, was just perfect."
- Pricing: from £8,950
12. The Swettenham Arms – Cheshire
This stunning country pub lends itself to rustic weddings thanks to its natural charm and rural location. As part of the evening package you'll get use of the gardens, a three course wedding breakfast, and drinks for all your guests at a charming reception.
- Hitched couples say: "I can't tell you how good this venue and the team are, my every need was met excellently.I had the most perfect day and I wouldn't of changed anything."
- Pricing: £3,775 for 50 guests
13. The Moat – Kent
Start your evening at 5pm with a ceremony or blessing in The Moat's 15th Century Barn before making your way to the secret courtyard garden for a drinks reception under the stars. Plus, the venue can accommodate up to 300 guests!
- Hitched couples say: "What an amazing day! We had a twilight wedding at The Moat & it was amazing from start to end.'
- Pricing: from £5,360
14. Hedingham Castle – Essex
Like something from a storybook Hedingham Castle in Essex is the venue for couples that want something a bit different. You'll have access to the venue, which includes a Norman Keep and Georgian Country House, from 12pm - 12am so you'll have plenty of time to get prepared. They even include transport in a classic Mercedes from the garden cottage to the ceremony so you can travel in style...
- Hitched couples say: "Hedingham Castle is a beautiful venue steeped in history, with an amazing team who work tirelessly to ensure the most perfect day and whom we cannot thank enough."
- Pricing: from £11,995
15. Newton Hall – Northumberland
Located on the stunning coastline Newton Hall gives couples the option to get married on the beach as the sun dips below the horizon. It doesn't get more romantic than that! There are also 21 boutique rooms and 27 garden rooms for your family and friends to enjoy.
- Hitched couples say: "We had the most perfect wedding day at Newton Hall. The setting was stunning, and we were fortunate with beautiful weather that allowed us to have our ceremony outside."
- Pricing: £4,495 for 50 guests
16. Soughton Hall – Flintshire
Soughton Hall's Twilight Package includes everything you'll need for a night of memory making with your nearest and dearest, including a buffet, DJ and a dedicated wedding co-ordinator to make sure you can relax.
The breathtaking historic hall has been lovingly restored and they operate on a strict exclusive-use policy so you'll have the place to yourself.
- Hitched couples say: "We found everything from the initial show arounds, planning, food tasting and finally the big day went so smoothly, we couldn't have asked for anything more. The wedding coordinators were all fabulous from start to finish, nothing was too much to ask for and the rest of the team provided a top notch service throughout!'
- Pricing: from £8,500
17. Valleyside Barn – Devon
For couples after a barn wedding this venue is a winner. Your intimate ceremony of up to 40 guests will be held at 5;30 in the courtyard or gallery before you can be joined by up to 150 in the main bar to dance the evening away. And you don't need to worry about your guests going hungry. Options include pizza vans, a hog roast or a buffet as alternatives to a formal sit-down meal.
- Hitched couples say: "We literally could not be happier with our choice of venue, the barn, outdoor courtyard and grounds are stunning!"
- Pricing: from £5,700
18. The Dodford Inn – Worcestershire
This exclusive wedding venue is located in 6-acres of picturesque countryside, perfect for a sunset stroll. They also have a bridal prep room where you and your entourage can get glam before you say "I do".
- Hitched couples say: "We had the most wonderful wedding at the The Dodford Inn, the venue, staff, food.. everything was really special. The packages really take a lot of stress off you having to organise the day and I knew the team would take care of everything."
- Pricing: from £3,695
19. Lartington Hall – Durham
At the stunning Lartington Hall you can save up to £7,700 by opting for the evening wedding package. You'll still benefit from all the bells and whistles including a drinks reception and delicous BBQ after your ceremony but for a fraction of the usual price.
If you're getting married in the summer months there's plenty of outdoor spaces for magical sunset moments to be caught on film.
- Hitched couples say: "We could not have wished for a better day. The team at Lartington are absolutely outstanding!"
- Pricing: from £4,495
20. Tregenna Castle – Cornwall
In the popular seaside town of St Ives, Tregenna Castle, sits at the top of 72 acres of woodland with views over the bay. Back by popular demand their twilight package is one not to be missed.
- Hitched couples say: "Me and my husband got married here and it was just beautiful, we had the most magical day and we are so glad we chose this venue!
The staff are simply incredible and where there for us throughout the whole experience, nothing was to much for them they really made our day!"
Twilight Wedding FAQs
To help you plan your twilight wedding with confidence, we've put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions from how they work to how much it will cost...
How do twilight wedding packages work?
If you are a couple operating on a budget you might want to consider a twilight wedding package as they tend to be a cheaper option.
Twilight weddings also allow for some breathtaking images with a golden sunset glow or a magical moonlit moment. Heaton House Farm recommend "draping a faux fur jacket over your shoulders and gathering under the stars for a picturesque fantasy image with your wedding party. The twinkling lights and crisp evening air can make it feel like a real fairy-tale!"
Better yet, a twilight wedding opens up the opportunity to have a shorter day and a longer evening reception meaning less time waiting to hit the dance floor with your loved ones and more time partying. Don't mind if we do...
How do you plan a twilight wedding?
First things first you'll need to pick a wedding venue that offers twilight packages - thankfully, we have a handy list above! You might want to visit your wedding venue in the evening to make sure the lighting is how you envision it to be on your special day and whether the location has amenities suitable for an evening soirée.
Remember, the majority of your wedding will be in darkness so think enchanting fairy-lights, lanterns and candles. For example, Heaton House Farm has a whole range of lighting-set ups, plus extensive heating throughout the venue including under the floor making it ideal for a twilight wedding.
What time does a twilight wedding start and end?
Unsurprisingly, timing is key when it comes to planning a twilight wedding so be sure to research when to expect a sunset as this will be different depending on what month of the year it is.
"You then have to decide where you want to be and what you want to be doing when the sun is setting - eating, celebrating, sharing your first dance, or maybe even tying the knot," advises Heaton House Farm.
Want your wedding pictures to be aglow with romantic skies? "We recommend starting your ceremony 30-40 minutes before the sun is expected to set," says the team at Heaton House Farm. When it comes to the ending of the night most venues close at 12am but if you're after a later finish definitely speak to your vendor to see what they can offer.
How much does a twilight wedding cost?
In our round-up of some of the best twilight venues we've included packages starting from £1,995. The price will vary depending on the venue, location, day of the week, guest count and what's included in the package. Twilight packages are often cheaper as they usually skip a formal sit down meal and the overall venue hire time is usually less.
Can you have speeches or a first dance at a twilight wedding?
Of course! Twilight weddings suit couples who want to do something a bit different and less traditional but that doesn't mean you have to skip speeches and a first dance. If you're not having a formal sit down meal consider doing your speeches during a drinks reception, after your ceremony.
What should guests expect at a twilight wedding?
When it comes to twilight weddings guests should expect it to be less formal than a traditional wedding with a more relaxed atmosphere. There'll likely be a light meal or evening buffet as opposed to a sit down meal. Since the ceremony starts later in the day than a usual wedding, guests will have more time to explore the area, travel or enjoy a relaxed morning.
Having a night reception makes way for some amazing entertainment options! We adore the idea of incorporating sparklers, firepits, light shows or even fire dancers into the mix. Well, that's one way to keep warm!
Light up your twilight wedding with our guide on everything you need to know about wedding sparklers.
